Food, Wine & Fete Set for Miami in May

Food, Wine & Fete (FWF), Miami’s premier Caribbean all-inclusive beachside Soca Fete experience, will take place on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park. Now in its fourth year, FWF 2026 stands out as the ultimate celebration of the Caribbean featuring the diaspora’s most visionary chefs, world-class spirits, immersive tourism activations and high-octane rhythms of Soca music.

This year’s event features an elite roster of tourism boards, with each destination bringing its own flavor, culture, and island pride to the party.

First stop: The Main Pavilion, where Pure Grenada (the Grenada Tourism Authority) will have the ultimate "Grenada Jam" in full effect. Think Jab Jab, an authentic Rum Shack powered by Clarke's Court Rum, and an official countdown to SpiceMas Carnival this August. Joining the experience is Chef John Wilson, bringing the aromatic flavors of the Spice Island to the plate. The Grenadian energy continues with Grenadian Soca sensation V'ghn, fresh off a massive season with hits like "Jab Decisions" and "Explore" headlining the FWF Main Stage. Guests will also have the exclusive chance to win a getaway to the island, courtesy of Mount Cinnamon Resort.

Next stop, Antigua and Barbuda (Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority) brings its twin-island paradise to life with interactive displays and a specialty English Harbour Rum cocktail crafted fresh on-site, building excitement around its Culinary Month offerings and Antigua Carnival 2026—rightfully self-proclaimed as 'The Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival.'

Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) proudly defends the island’s legacy as the undisputed birthplace of rum—backed by a high-energy mixology showcase that proves the title is well deserved. Their participation in FWF serves as the official “road to the Barbados Food & Rum Festival,” taking place November 5–8, 2026.

French Saint-Martin /Sint Maarten brings bold flavor to the forefront with live culinary demonstrations from renowned chefs Chef Talia and Chef Loïc Sany, taking place on the Demo Stage and along Foodie Avenue. These experiences highlight the Friendly Island’s rich culinary heritage. Guests will also get a preview of what’s to come at the Festival de la Gastronomiede Saint-Martin, returning November 11–22, 2026. Now in its sixth edition, the festival features cooking workshops, tastings, a giant barbecue, and a vibrant celebration of the island’s distinctive local flavors.

Saving the sweetest for last, the Nevis Tourism Authority is offering one lucky guest the chance to win an unforgettable summer getaway to the island, including a stay at the world-renowned Four Seasons Resort Nevis—perfectly timed for the return of the Nevis Mango Festival, taking place July 4–6. Known as the “Mango Capital of the Caribbean,” Nevis has more than 44 varieties of mangos. The Island comes alive during this vibrant three-day celebration, where the island’s rich mango heritage takes center stage.

Beyond official tourism representation, FWF continues to showcase the Caribbean through its platform, celebrating chefs, culinary creators, and emerging brands, expanding how destinations are experienced beyond traditional tourism channels.

From exciting innovations on Foodie Avenue and beachside pop-ups to the sizzling energy of live demos, FWF 2026 features an extraordinary lineup of Caribbean culinary talent.  

• Headlining the Live Demo Stage is Chef Garfield Seivwright Jr., founder of crEATe & Co., who will premiere his new artisanal Scotch Bonnet sauce line, showcasing the art of the "refined burn.” 
• Returning Culinary Ambassador Chef Irie will lead a high-energy live demo alongside Soca headliner V’ghn, bridging the gap between island rhythm and flavor in a one-of-a-kind FWF crossover. 
• Additional culinary stars include Chef Alain Lemaire of the Ou Manje Déjà brand, Chef Christian Barruos-Brens & Jah Jah Eats lighting up the Island Style Grillmaster section, Chef Paul Griffith headlining the VIP experience with his signature Bajan Infusion, Chef Mimi Charles of Lux Cakery with her artisanal Caribbean-inspired pastries, and Chef Arry, the Trinidadian sous chef turned culinary creative, back for his second year on the avenue with his signature Indo-Caribbean bite-sized curry creations.
• Kimesha Chong & Chef Andre Mills of Kanin Catering/Geraldine & May’s will showcase their one-of-a-kind flavor across two distinct pop-ups, a first for the festival, highlighting local Caribbean restaurants, as well as these acclaimed chefs. Making their restaurant debuts: Tabanka (a Trini Kitchen) and Chef John of Posh Lounge (Fort Lauderdale) with his award-winning “Flaming Posh” sushi roll.

FWF 2026 also shines a spotlight on small businesses and next-generation Caribbean spirits and culinary entrepreneurs, including AAEX (Alcohol Artistry Experience), founded by Cheyenne Rodney; PhatBoy Ice Cream, with its innovative Trinidadian-style ice cream and juices; Beeezy's Pepper Sauce, a true local success story that has made the leap from craft kitchens to the aisles of major South Florida supermarkets; and Sizzle and Spice by Mel, bringing island-inspired dishes paired with spice blends and signature sauces. 

On the lifestyle side, Galavanting with AG, a carnival-inspired travel concierge led by Amanda Gittens, makes her FWF debut with a beachside pop-up lounge, a designated cool-down retreat from the bacchanal for those who need a breather before round two. And in VIP, Kelly House Design Co., a local acrylic artisan, will be gifting guests with personalized handcrafted keepsakes to take a little piece of the fete home.

Spirits Avenue is stocked, and it’s not holding back. This year’s lineup pours deep, from debut arrivals to returning legends. Making its official FWF debut, Lakai Liquors arrives with Haitian roots and a craft narrative that is as rich as the spirit itself. Also debuting this year is The Mighty Sparrow Rum, a fitting tribute to the legendary Calypsonian himself, arriving on the FWF stage for the very first time. Returning fan favorite Ron Barceló needs no introduction; the world-renowned Dominican rum brand is back and as smooth as ever.

The Pale glides back onto the scene with its chic Provence rosé energy, made for a Miami afternoon by the water. And Crystal Head Vodka sparks the vodka activations with its ultra-premium finish. The Avenue will also be stocked with an array of Proseccos and wines from Italy. Caribbean staples Carib Beer, Caribe Hard Cider, and Shandy are back for another year, and sister brand Caribe is taking the beach for a refreshing pop-up. 

FWF 2026 is powered by Vanessa James Media (VJM), the driving force behind the festival's strategy, storytelling, and every world-class touchpoint that makes this fete what it is. But when the sun sets over Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, and the last plate is cleared, LunaLite Drone Technologies takes over the sky. Now a signature FWF moment that festivalgoers look forward to all night, LunaLite's custom drone show transforms the Miami skyline into a canvas with a high-tech, high-altitude finale that perfectly captures the energy of the Caribbean fete experience.

While VIP tickets are sold out, the last round of GA tickets is available for purchase on Eventbrite starting at $144.70. For more information about partnership opportunities, vendor sampling, and press inquiries, visit www.foodwineandfete.com

---

For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore